This year, Halloween will be a special Saturday, with a full moon, blue moon, and daylight savings (extra hour of sleep for the family!). This Halloween will be one to remember for many reasons, but we can still make it a fun one while being safe!

2020 Halloween Safety

• Use the Covid risk level map at Halloween2020.org to establish the risk level in your community.
• If you can’t go out this year, use some of these tips to have fun at home!
• Select a small group of friends within your cohort or family members and plan a fun night under the moon!
• Check out Netflix Party on Google Chrome and watch a spooky Halloween movie with your friends.
• Set up Candy Stations throughout the house and backyard for your Kids to go trick or treating inside or in the back yard.
• Set up Candy Stations at the end of your walkway for drive by trick or treating.
• Create a candy slide to pass candy from inside your home!
• Take the streets with your furry friends and have a pet parade through the neighborhood
• Trick or treat in reverse, get dressed up and hang out in the front yard while the adults drive around and deliver candy!
• Fill a Boo Bag with fun treats and deliver anonymously to your friends doorstep. Your friend can pass it forward by booing someone else!
• Set up a neighborhood trick-or-treat scavenger hunt with your neighbors. Be sure to adhere to social distancing guidelines!

Trick-Or-Treat Safety Tips

Halloween2020.org put together some guidelines on how to trick-or-treat safely if you’re able to trick or treat.

• Stay home if you’re sick, and don’t hand out candy if you or anyone in your household is sick.
• Trick or treat with people you live with
• Remain 6 feet apart
• Wear a face mask
• Use duct tape to set up 6-foot lines in front of your home
• Position a table between yourself and trick or treaters. Distribute individually wrapped candy or goody bags on the table. Sanitize between trick-or-treat groups.
• Make sure to wash and sanitize your hands often
• Be sure to check and inspect candy before eating
• Check out more guidelines and tips at Halloween2020.org

Our friends at Duxbury Saltworks are always thinking of new ways to bring high quality, freshly harvested sea salt to your table. New in our Brothers Marketplace stores, check out their salt boxes. Enter our giveaway to win a boxed salt, their new Autumn Blend Spoon Jar, a gold rimmed oyster shell, and a $25 Brothers Marketplace gift card.

We spent some time chatting with founder Lily Leedom to ask her a few questions about her business.

Tell us about yourself and how Duxbury Saltworks got its start.
A few years ago, I found myself eating a lot of sea salt. It occurred to me that it’s an incredible natural resource — the ocean is at our doorstep here on the east coast,  so I began to tinker with pots of evaporated salt water in my kitchen. Fast forward and two years later, Duxbury Saltworks is a household name. We’re so excited to be transforming the experience of everyday cooking and eating with our hand harvested sea salt for so many people!

Why sea salt? Are there any benefits from using sea salt?
Sea salt provides dozens of essential minerals and trace minerals including potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc, and selenium. Salt helps balance electrolytes, acts as an antimicrobial to help fight off microorganisms within our bodies, and so much more. Plus, it enhances the flavor of food, naturally. Seriously, it makes everything you eat better.

What makes your product different?
When you start thinking about salt, you will quickly realize it’s in almost everything you eat — whether added or naturally occurring.
Many traditional “table salts” contain chemicals and additives, including bleach, anti-caking agents, and more. A good quality, well-textured salt, like Duxbury Saltworks Classic Sea Salt, will enhance the dishes you cook and eat in a natural way.

What is the process of harvesting sea salt like?
The harvesting of sea salt is the actual process of creating the salt flakes — which happens in a high touch process in our facility. We have a team of Salt Harvesters who masterfully manage our salt harvesting process (as opposed to employing a passive process such as collecting salt from a mine, or even from a solar evaporation process which results in salt rocks, not flakes).

Duxbury Saltworks’ proprietary process is a true blend of science & art.  Salt Harvesters manage the time, temperature, and the rate at which we allow the salt flakes to form and dry. This proprietary process is integral to the creation of the pure, delicate fleur-de-sel style sea salt that Duxbury Saltworks is known for.

How can your product be used? Any different and unusual ways?
Our Classic Sea Salt will bring any food to life. It’s also extremely tasty in baked goods, including bread, cookies, etc. Many of our team members also start their mornings with a glass of lemon salt water. It can also be used in smoothies, juices, and so much more!

Try out some of Lily’s delicious recipes below!

Brothers Marketplace Steak or Fish

1. Using any cut of steak, season your steak with one to two pinches of salt 30 minutes prior to cooking. This enables the natural juices and flavors to rise to the surface of the cut of meat
2. Cook the meat as you prefer – either grill, roast or pan sear
3. Right before serving the steak, sprinkle one more pinch of Duxbury Saltworks Classic Sea Salt (or any of the DSW blends!)
4. ENJOY!

Brothers Marketplace Pre-Cut Veggie Easy Stir-Fry

1. Using any of the pre-cut veggie medleys, sprinkle 1 pinch of Duxbury Saltworks Classic Sea Salt (or any of the DSW blends!) on to the veggies (and any protein you’re adding) prior to placing in the pan
2. Prepare the pan with Brothers Marketplace Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3. Place the veggie mix in the heated pan
4. Stir Fry on medium high for 5-10 minutes, until done to your preference
5. Sprinkle DSW Classic or Seasonal Blend Sea Salt on at the very end
6. Serve as is or over rice or other starch of your choice

 

INGREDIENTS

• 2 ½ tsp Brothers Marketplace curry – divided
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 ½ tsp dry mustard – divided
• 2 cups of milk
• 1 stick butter – divided
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 2 cups grated cheese (sharp)
• 8 oz cooked Brothers Marketplace Fusilli
• 2 ½ cups bread crumbs

DIRECTIONS

• Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
• In large saucepan over medium high heat, combine cornstarch, 1 tsp dry mustard, 2 tsp of Brothers Marketplace Curry and 3 tbsp. of butter. Whisk until combined
• Add milk, stirring constantly and continue to cook until sauce thickens and boils (approx. 5 minutes)
• Remove pan from heat. Add cheese, salt, and pepper – whisk until smooth
• Stir in cooked macaroni and transfer to an 8” glass baking pan. Set aside.
• To prepare for the breadcrumbs, in a large skillet over medium high heat, melt remaining 5 tbsp of butter
• Mix in remaining ½ tsp of mustard and ½ tsp of Brothers Marketplace Curry
• Add the breadcrumbs and stir on medium to low heat until crispy and golden brown (about 8 minutes)
• Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the macaroni and bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbling at the edges

Nothing beats a crisp salad on a warm day. While you’re grilling up Dad’s favorites this weekend, add variety to your meals with some fresh greens. Choose from organic or locally grown hydroponic lettuce and leafy greens like kale, spinach, arugula, romaine, butter lettuce, or a spring mix. Top your salad with plain or marinated sirloin tips from our Butcher Shop, ready to grill and serve.

You’ll find all the following tasty choices lining our greens wall:

Olivia’s Organics
Chelsea, MA
Based in Chelsea, MA, Olivia’s Organics carefully selects organic farms around the United States to grow their greens in regions with the best growing conditions for each season. Olivia’s farmers commit to their Organic Pledge which means all products have been Non-GMO Verified and are never subjected to ionizing radiation.

Farmers use renewable resources and natural methods to increase the fertility of the soil, such as crop-rotation, high quality compost and natural minerals.

Select from Spring Mix, Baby Spinach, Baby Kale, and more.

Little Leaf Lettuce
Devens, MA
Little Leaf Farms in Devens, MA, grows baby greens hydroponically in a 3-acre greenhouse, with sustainability built in at the design level – from the use of renewable energy to power growing lights to their rainwater collection and reuse systems. The greens are grown in 100% captured rainwater with an advanced fertilization and irrigation system that uses up to 90% less water than field-grown greens.

Their natural gas-powered heating system operates with over 95% efficiency. It both heats their greenhouse and captures CO2 to use within their growing system.

The non-GMO greens never come in contact with chlorine-based cleaners or chemical washing agents.

Try the Spring Mix, with a blend of red leaf, green leaf, and blond leaf, lettuces, and arugula, the Red & Green Leaf Mix or the Baby Crispy Green Leaf.

FreshBox Farms
Millis, MA
FreshBox Farms’ greens — grown exclusively in indoor hydroponic farms — often comes to Brothers the same day it was harvested! It’s grown in Millis, MA, just down the street from our Medfield location. These greens are grown purely, without ever using any chemicals. Their crops are never genetically modified, and are verified by the Non-GMO Project.

Grown in climate-controlled, clean, indoor environments, these greens grow in just the right temperature, humidity and lighting, using 99% less water than field farming.

FreshBox use an indoor growing system to grow vertically on shelves, meaning they use a much smaller footprint than farmland. Each of their 320-square-foot hydroponic enclosures operates on its own as a fully sustainable farm, with its environment carefully managed through mechanical and digital controls.

Their non-GMO seedlings are grown in a clean growing environment with auto-regulated, filtered water and carefully craft nutrient blends for each type of plant. They designed their own lights customized to each plant as well. And then all plants are harvested using a proprietary system.

Select from the Fresh & Tender Spring Mix, the Fresh & Hearty 50/50 Blend and more.

 

Once you’ve selected fresh, leafy greens, read up on how to create a hearty salad! 

Established in 2007, Delectable Desires Pastries began as a home business locally in Mattapan, MA. Founder and Pastry Chef Charlene O’Garro started by making pies and cakes for friends and family that had a touch of her family’s Caribbean roots. This quickly developed into the need for a formal kitchen in Jamaica Plain and, in January 2015, the first retail location opened in West Roxbury.

As they continue to grow, Delectable Desires Pastries still make all of their baked goods from scratch with flour, butter, sugar, a sprinkle of the Caribbean and lots of love. Their pies are a deliciously sweet option for any holiday, occasion, cookout, or regular weekday. Choose between 5” or 10” sizes in varieties like Blueberry, Very Berry, and Caramel Apple.

Charlene’s love for cakes and pastries began when she was young while spending Sunday’s in the kitchen with her mother. After graduating from Jacksonville University in 2004 with a degree in Biology and Psychology, she was accepted into Suffolk Law School. Deciding to follow her lifelong passion and forgo her acceptance into law school, Charlene enrolled at Cambridge School of Culinary Arts for Fall of 2006 and established Delectable Desires Pastries in March of 2007.

Stop by our Bakery today to pick up your favorite Delectable Desires Pie!

A swordfish steak grilled with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. A shrimp skewer marinated in olive oil, lime juice and fresh garlic. From shrimp and oysters to swordfish and salmon, fresh seafood is great on the grill!

Grilling seafood is easier than you might think. The heat of the grill cooks fish and shellfish quickly, while keeping it moist, making it an easy and satisfying weeknight meal. Just make sure you oil the grill to prevent sticking.

Create warm and slightly crispy shrimp that pair well with a fresh bed of leafy greens. Marinate your peeled and de-veined shrimp in Brothers Marketplace Extra Virgin Olive Oil and lime juice with lime zest, chopped garlic, salt and pepper. Place them on a wooden or metal skewer and grill three minutes on each side, a little longer if you want them blackened edges. Remember to watch them closely so they don’t burn.

Add new flavor to oysters by cooking them on the grill. Grill oysters with rounded side down on a hot grill rack. Cover and cook them for two minutes or until they begin to open. Pair them with a drizzle of your favorite herb butter.

Cook something meaty that’s sure to satisfy: Swordfish. This fish takes on the smokiness of the grill and any flavors you add to it. For something simple, sprinkle your swordfish steaks with our Brothers Marketplace No-Salt Lemon Pepper or Blackening Rub. Experiment with flavors such as our Ginger Sesame Rub or for a more spicy option, use the Chipotle Paprika Rub. Or make your own marinade with olive oil, chopped rosemary and garlic, salt and pepper. Let it sit while refrigerated for 30 minutes and grill!

Grilled salmon is always a favorite. Keep your salmon simple yet delicious with fresh lemon, olive oil and a mix of fresh herbs. Or try grilling with a cedar plank to add an unmatched smoky, woodsy flavor. To use a cedar plank, soak it in salt water and heat it first on the grill. You can even try soaking the plank in wine, cider or sake for extra flavor! Then place your cut of fish on top and you’re ready to go.

Enjoy!

Having just celebrated National Hamburger Day – Thursday, May 28th – and Memorial Day marking the unofficial start of summer, we are ready for grilling! Make your burger something new. Whether you prefer a classic ground beef patty or plant-based options, you’ll find just the right thing in-store.

The Burger

The patty is the most important ingredient and what will give your meal substance. Our Butcher Shop offers pub burgers, blended in-house with 85% lean ground beef, available plain and in mouthwatering flavors such as Cracked Pepper, Bacon & Cheddar, and Mushroom & Swiss. Our offerings are sourced from cattle raised humanely on family farms free from antibiotics and added hormones.

For meatless alternatives, the hottest new option on the market is the Beyond Burger from Beyond Meat, a plant-based burger that looks and cooks similar to a beef burger without gluten, soy or GMOs. Long a stalwart in the plant-based category, MorningStar Farms offers vegan and veggie burgers containing seeds and grains. Or fresh from the farm, try a portobello mushroom cap in place of your burger patty. Simply brush the mushroom caps with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Grill mushrooms for 3 – 4 minutes per side, or until tender.

Remember to add the cheese! Try our Brothers Marketplace Colby Jack or Cheddar melted over your burger for a savory and satisfying bite.

The Toppings

From lettuce and onions to cheese and mayonnaise, the ways to customize a burger are endless. Pick up some Little Leaf Farms lettuce grown locally in Devens, MA with fresh tomatoes and vidalia onions. Up your flavor game with by caramelizing the onions! Warm olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once sizzling add the onions and cook stirring occasionally for approximately 30 minutes until tender and golden brown. Add heft and nutrition by piling on grilled veggies – sliced eggplant, bell peppers, or zucchini are all flavorful options. For added creaminess, slice an avocado to top your burger or spread mayonnaise over the inside of your bun.

The Bun

The most popular choice is the classic burger bun. Our favorite trick is to spread butter on the inside of the bun and grill cut side down for 30 seconds to one minute. For a low-carb and gluten free option, try wrapping your burger in butter lettuce leaves, or use the grilled portobello mushroom caps mentioned above as buns for a hearty burger patty.

 

Enjoy!

A spread of fresh, store-made dips with your favorite chips. Ready-to-grill Niman Ranch antibiotic & hormone free beef burgers and kabobs. Big-as-your-face Brothers Marketplace Homemade Cookies and locally made pies for a sweet finish.

At Brothers Marketplace, we are here to help you get ready to fire up the grill.

Start off with one (or all) of our store-made dips, including 7-layer, salsa, buffalo chicken, and more. Pick up avocados and make your own guacamole, or skip the prep and take home our own. Pair the dips with our own hearty made-in-store chips, or thin and crispy local chips from Mi Nina, alongside a tray of cut organic veggies.

Heat up the grill when you’re ready for more. Select from grill-ready, humanely raised, beef kabobs and Bell & Evans antibiotic & hormone-free chicken kabobs with fresh veggies, available plain and marinated.

Grill up some sirloin tips, available plain or in bourbon or teriyaki marinade. Or cook some mouthwatering pub burgers and sliders, made in-store with 85% lean, richly marbled ground beef. Select from seven flavors, such as plain, onion & pepper, bacon & cheddar, and top them with Brothers Marketplace Organic American Cheese from our deli.

Pick up an assortment of fresh vegetables to slice up and grill on the side. Cook peppers, onions, zucchini and tomatoes drizzled in Brothers Marketplace Extra Virgin Olive Oil, salt and pepper.

Look around the rest of the store for all the fixings, salads and sides, too, including our Farugula Salad and Kale & Craisin Salad, prepared how you would make them, if you had the time.

For treats, serve  local, all-natural, home-style fruit pies made from scratch and handcrafted by Ever So Humble Pie Company in Walpole, MA. Full of juicy, farm fresh fruit and wrapped in a delicate, flaky pastry, these pies have no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, and come in flavors such as New England Apple and Wild Blueberry. And top it all off with fresh slices of watermelon or a bowl of fresh cut fruit and a scoop of Brothers Marketplace Ice Cream.

We are here to help with your grilling needs for Memorial Day and all-summer long.

Reusable produce bags are quickly growing in popularity for many reasons. Not only do they reduce the use of plastic bags but they also keep your produce fresh and crisp longer.

B-Organic Produce Bags, handmade locally in MA, were created two years ago when owner Cathy DiPilato lost her job and was struggling to make ends meet. While hosting International students, Cathy searched for a way to make her food last longer and waste less, marking the beginning of B-Organic Produce bags.

G.O.T.S certified (Global Organic Textile Standard) and made of 100% non-bleach organic, muslin cotton these bags are sustainable, reusable, and biodegradable. Putting your produce in an organic fabric bag allows for proper air circulation which is what keeps your fruits, veggies, and herbs fresh longer. If you’re storing leafy greens and herbs, you can even dampen the bag to keep them crisp.

B-Organic bags are available in small, medium, and large sizes and are specially labeled to help you identify the items you are storing. Plus, the designs are printed using dye created from leftover fruits and veggies that would otherwise be thrown away. 

You can find a chart of freshness for specific items on their website and check out this feature in the Boston Globe about reducing food waste.

Find B-Organic Produce Bags at your local Brothers Marketplace!

** Reusable bags are currently banned from use in stores due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They can, however, still be used within your home until they are able to be used in stores once again. **

Show the Mothers in your life how much you appreciate everything they do. Here are just a few ways to treat mom:

Breakfast or Brunch

With Mother’s Day this Sunday, our thoughts are tuned to indulging Mom with food, flowers, and quality time. Enjoy brunch at home, and show her you’ve learned a thing or two in the kitchen!

Start with a rejuvenating cup of morning coffee, hot or iced. Choose from locally-roasted Armeno’s (it’s what we serve in our own cafes), Peets Coffee from our grocery shelves, or a crisp local Mojo Cold Brew. For an easy to make, yet satisfying meal, top a fresh One Mighty Mill bagel made right in Lynn, MA with our own flavored cream cheese and Ducktrap Smoked Salmon from Maine.

Short on time? Bring home a quiche made by our Kitchen (shh, we won’t tell).

Sweets

Fun to make and family-friendly, try your hand at some homemade chocolate-dipped strawberries for Mom! Pick up California Red Ripe Strawberries and creamy chocolate to melt and use for dipping.  Pro-tip: add a little coconut oil to the chocolate to make it a breeze to work with.

If you enjoy baking, surprise Mom with some warm, freshly baked lemon squares or chocolate chunk brownies made with our Brothers Marketplace Baking Mixes. Produced locally using top quality flours, sugar, & spices that are free from artificial colors & preservatives, our baking mixes are crafted to give you easy to make, baked from scratch desserts that are hard to resist.

For something you can grab on the run, stop by our Bakery for Sweet Sense gluten-free cookies, brownies, cakes, and cupcakes or Bisousweet’s cookies and brownies made locally in Shirley, MA.

Floral

Nothing says Happy Mother’s Day like beautifully bright flower arrangements! Choose from dozens of hand selected bouquets pre-made by our floral designers, or ask our florist to design one just for Mom with all of her favorites. Consider lilacs or peonies for colorful seasonal choices. Potted plants will bring cheer to Mom’s home or office for months!  Hydrangeas and orchids are great spring picks.

And if you’re shopping in Weston, remember to grab a bottle of bubbly for mimosas!

Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Brothers Marketplace.